I know the office of “Head Principal” is riddled with difficult decisions and pressing issues of finance. I would assume if you are to occupy such a position, you would be prepared to deal with not only students, but faculty as well. As I have never been a principal, I can’t criticize, but merely make observations as to their actions. After a collection of observations, this is what I have concluded:
Our principal is quite two-headed. One head is passionately dedicated to his students. He is always working to make them happy, feel appreciated and…well…spoil them. His messages of hope and encouragement are reserved for the little minions of mischevious, whereas teachers are left staring blankly in shock on the sidelines.
The other head is reserved for his regiments of over-worked, under-paid educators. This head is less sophisticated and more of a second thought than anything. His scoldings and warnings are left for us. Annoucement example #1 – “Teachers, we only have two teachers absent today. Good job for your attendance!” His subtle hint at our lack of enthusiam for attending school everyday. Announcement #2 – “Teachers, you need to hold students after school for tutorials. Our counts have been down and you need to make sure they are staying.” Does that mean we can tackle them as they literally run down the hallway to escape after-school tutoring? Because if you are reprimanding us, we should be allowed to use guerilla tactics.
And my all time, favorite principal two-headed decision ever: Today we had an incentive dance for the kids. Everyone is allowed to attend for free except the students who have been in ISS or suspended for that week. 50% of the list are students from our cluster. Two annoucments blare, reminding teachers (quite strongly) to hold students on the ISS list, as they are not allowed to attend. Several of the students claim that our principal has told them they can go. We say, “Show us a note”, doubtful of their veracity as it was so strongly stated that we hold them. 5 minutes later, I’m holding a note in my hand with all of our students listed as being able to attend the dance.
So much for threats and that wonderful “rug of authority” we were standing on. It just got pulled out from under our feet and is ready to be wrapped around us for burial.